DOHA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Qatar has witnessed remarkable growth and development in its tourism sector despite the ongoing blockade by its Gulf neighbors, state-run Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported Tuesday.

In a statement to QNA, Chief Tourism Development Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority Hassan al Ibrahim said that Qatar had advanced its position to the most open tourist destination in the Middle East and gained the eighth place in global ranking.

Last August, Qatar granted visa-free entry to citizens of 80 countries. According to Al Ibrahim, this policy contributed to Qatar's high ranking in maritime tourism.

Maritime tourism has a significant role in Qatar owing to the country's geographical position in the heart of the Gulf, he added.

In this regard, Qatari maritime tourism sector is essential for the country's preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Tourism market in Qatar is expected to grow significantly over the next decade with the contribution of the World Cup.

In addition, Qatar is also expected to host the World Championships in Athletics in 2019 and the World Aquatics Championships in 2023.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt has cut ties with Qatar and imposed an air, land and sea blockade on the gas-rich country since June 5, 2017, citing what they called Doha's support of extremism and fostering relations with Iran.

Qatar has denied these allegations. Enditem